Roman excavation site put on view

The medieval dock was found next to a fallen Roman wall

The site of an archaeological dig at a Kent Roman fort is to be opened to the public for just one weekend.

The recent excavation at Richborough Roman Fort, near Sandwich, uncovered the original coastline at the time of the Roman invasion of Britain.

A medieval dock, and fragments of pottery, were also found when a 295ft (90m) stretch of collapsed Roman wall was being excavated.

English Heritage is offering guided tours around the site this weekend.

Site supervisor Sue Harris said visitors would also be able to see the amphitheatre and the fallen eastern wall.

"In Roman times, the site was a large town and an entrance port to the country.

"This tour will give visitors the chance to take in the true size of this historical area and appreciate just how huge it was."

Archaeologists also uncovered a number of smaller finds such as Roman coins and fragments of Italian marble believed to be from a great triumphal arch built at Richborough in about 80AD to commemorate the Conquest of Britain.

In the Roman era, Richborough Roman Fort overlooked a sheltered lagoon, where the invading Roman forces first landed.